Oligodontia Management in a Resource-Limited Setting: Two Case Reports and Review of Literature.

Abstract

Introduction: Oligodontia represents the developmental absence of six or more teeth, posing significant challenges for masticatory function, speech, and psychosocial well-being. While extensively documented in developed countries, limited reports exist from resource-constrained settings in Africa. This study presents two pediatric cases of oligodontia managed with available resources and analyzes their clinical presentations against current literature. This case report was prepared following the CARE guidelines to ensure methodological rigor and completeness. Cases and Interventions: Case 1, a 10-year-old female with a history of missing anterior teeth from birth, with no associated systemic abnormalities and no contributory family history, but with deranged alkaline phosphatase. To address masticatory function, speech, and esthetic problems, removable partial dentures were fabricated for both jaws. Case 2, a 10-year-old female with a family history of congenitally missing teeth but no other features of syndromic oligodontia, with an associated crown fracture involving the enamel, dentine, and pulp of the maxillary right central incisor, peg-shaped maxillary right lateral incisor, and retained mandibular central incisors. Systemic features of mild acanthosis nigricans, nail abnormalities, and hypohidrosis were observed with deranged alkaline phosphatase. To restore speech and masticatory function, root canal treatment and postretained crown restoration of the maxillary right central incisor and composite resin restoration for the peg-shaped maxillary right lateral incisors and retained lower central incisor teeth were done. Conclusion: Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management of oligodontia significantly improve functional outcomes and quality of life. Resource limitations necessitated adaptive treatment approaches while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.